Saturday, May 3, 2014

18/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Reece, the last week or so has had its challenges. I can feel a little shift in you, and sense it is something you are struggling with. I will admit it has me a little rattled, but I am doing my best to hold the space so you feel supported and loved. There is one place where all the worries seem to melt away...the woods. We both feel at peace in nature, connecting to Mother Earth and to each other. This week we spent quite a bit of time in the woods, most of it hand in hand. At times, you let go of my hand to look at something, climb a tree or sit on a stump, but you always came back and put your hand in mine.

22 comments:

Beautiful photo. Beautiful words. Kim, try not to worry too much. These children of ours go through different stages and they do pass. I remember worrying about different behaviors and 'things' with my boys. Then one day I'd realize.....oh, that isn't happening anymore. I think the most important thing is to love them, support them and give them and ourselves a little space when we need it. And as you say Mother Nature, always helps soften things. Kim you are a fantastic mother, you do everything from your heart, and as a result you have a beautiful boy. Just keep doing what you're doing and you can't go wrong. You and Reece have been in my thoughts a lot this morning, before I read this. I really admire you, your parenting and your way of life. Take care my friend. Much love. xxoo

It's so interesting that you should post this. We too are having a bit of a challenging time. I too admire your parenting style. It would seem you handle it all with grace and patience. I love that. It inspires me to be a calm and patient parent.

I am sorry to hear that KC, I guess it comes with being a parent, eh? These are the times I find I grow the most, both as a mother and as a person...he really is my greatest teacher.

Thank you for your kinds words, I do certainly try to lead with grace and patience, but I am human, and at times my frustration gets the better of me. It did yesterday, and while Reece and I have talked it out, there is still that little pit of guilt in my stomach.

Dear Kim, I recognize your worries, but as already said, it will pass. But I also know that when you are in the middle of it it makes you worry. As I have three kids it seemed always that there where someone to worry about, but the object changed all the time. They took turns so to speak. I still worry from time to time but as two of my children live far away, it is no longer so direct with them:)As you are trearing Reece in such a respectful way I am sure that he feels loved even in times when he does not show it, just go on as you do, it will pass! And have a lovely sunday, hope the sun shines on you as weel!

Oh Karin-Ida, thank you for your lovely words and advice. You see this is why I love this space so much, the experience of mothers, like yourself, and your willingness to share help to make this mothering journey just a little bit easier to navigate.

Lovely photo, Reece is very photogenic. And I would echo everything already written! In so many ways childhood is a wonderful, happy, free time, a time for exciting discovery, and you do everything possible to make Reece's childhood the most amazing experience it could be and the best preparation for the rest of his life. But at the same time, childhood must be quite a difficult experience - full of change, changes to your own body, changes in your own abilities and expectations, changes in the way you view the world and the people around you as your brain assimilates more and more information. Parenting is tough sometimes! And unfortunately I think it only gets tougher as they get older - especially hard to let go more and let them do things their way. I'm finding that having 4 at very different stages is interesting and very useful at the moment, good reminders of all that change. But I think love and patience are the 2 key things and you clearly have those in abundance. Sorry, I've been thinking about these changes this week so you got the long, deep comment rather than just the 'lovely photo' comment!

Thank you Sally for your perspective, I often put myself in his shoes, trying to see the world through his eyes, and yes, I agree while it is wonderful, happy and free, there is also all the uncertainty of it all as well.

I am not sure I really wanted to know that it gets tougher as he gets older :) I guess the good thing is I have the experience of those of you who have gone before me.

Love and patience, I try to hold those close at all times, although at times, it is a little more difficult. Deep breathes, right?

And no worries, I thank you for taking the time to share, it is nice to know I am not alone in all of this. It helps and lifts me up. So big thanks. xo

My girls struggles are always challenging for me to know how to deal with. It's a constant journey for me. A walk in the woods! What a great idea. What a great thing to teach your child about the healing it can provide.

I have come to the realization that we are work in progress in this journey of motherhood, constantly being challenged to learn, to grow and to keep on trying. Each day brings new challenges, but we must keep walking forward.

What a lovely window into both of your life at the moment. I've expressed to you before the feeling of complete powerlessness sometimes when I see my daughter ( just a few months younger than Reece) so ill at ease in her own skin with no words or way to let me in. I try and put myself in her place. So many things happening at that age, so much growth for such young people. He is lucky to have a mom so devoted and so alert to his feelings an reality.

It is such a challenging journey for them, and for us. I do that too, put myself in his shoes, and it usually brings much clarity.

Thank you for your kind words and your thoughts, they are much appreciated. I know we will get through this, my biggest struggle is how best to help him. I will find a way, it will just take some time.

He is by nature, someone who needs the silence to find his way, so we are careful to give him his space when we sense him needing it. I remember this time last year spending hours outside pushing him on the swing. He would just ask me to push him, but didn't want to talk. I knew then he was figuring things out, in his own way, the the movement and my presence were enough for him at that moment. We got through that shift and we will get through this one. xo

Hi Kim. So many wise words here already… They are helpful for me to read as well as I struggle with various parenting challenges. I have found that observation is a powerful tool - it is very difficult to do in the moment, but when I can, stepping back and just observing the moment and its place in the bigger picture gives me some perspective on how to parent. It sure is tough, though. Really tough. And a lot of the time my observation is retrospective… but I strive to observe in the moment:-)- Karen

sounds like a growing spurt to me :) Whenever my kids were out of sorts they would then grow and eat a lot! I love his cap in this photo! And whenever there were struggles I always would be grateful of strong willed minds because then no one would take advantage of them when they were older.

You know Karen, I am sure that is part of it. I am pretty sure we are beginning our move through the 6/7 change, which does include growth spurts and the pain that often accompanies growth. That is another way to look at it, grateful for the strong will...love it!

He looks so big. Sometimes it is not easy to see troubles in our child, and I'm sure you'll be patient and close to him to help him find his way! Woods are so magical, sure they can be of a great help sometimes. I was in the wood this morning, a wood full of mosses, and I could feel so much power in this area.

Welcome to Mothering with Mindfulness. My name is Kim, Waldorf inspired homeschooling mama to one, writer, nature lover, dreamer, and lover of all things handmade. This is my space. A space to share with you my journey through motherhood, as I walk along the path of simple, mindful living. I invite you to join me as I learn and grow.